Problems with brakes

[Ali]

Hello everyone,

I have been having a problem in my 240ZX. My break pedal seems non-responsive and only works when the pedal is pushed all the way to the "floor". I have a hard time trying not to look like an idiot at school. Sometimes, even when i am at low speeds, the tires will chirp. Sometimes a little chirp sometimes a big chirp. What may be the problem? Is there a simple fix, or will i have to take it to my machanic?

[laffeaux]

It sounds like you need to bleed your brake lines. It's not tough, but requires two people, and a good supply of new fluid.

There are bleeder valves on each wheel and usually on the master cyclinder that when opened allow fluid (and any air in the system) to escape. You need to bleed the entire system to remove any air. One person needs to pump hte brakes, while the other crawls around underneath the car opening and closing the valve.

A good repair manual will walk you through it.

[JEFF]

On a left hand drive z (american z ) --- always bleed in this order --- right rear -- left rear -- right front -- left front. This removes the air starting the farthest from the brake master cylinder. There is another reason for this order to but i can't remember what it is. Anyone???

- Jeff

[laffeaux]

The only rule of thumb I've ever heard, is start as far away from the master cylinder as possible and work towards it - usually pass rear, driver rear, pass front, driver front.

[hmsports]

Search for the thread titled 'Brake Bleeding - Do it yourself'.

There is a good discussion of how to bleed your brakes...

[ZmeFly]

it could be a bad check valve and or a leak in the vacumn line to the booster or a bad booster.

this is exacly how mine acted with its bad booster.